O, Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Thy Branches… That is how the carol honoring the Christmas tree begins.  Getting together with the family to pick out a tree whether at a tree farm or pop-up lot is a fond Christmas memory.  Here are a few local farms and pop-up stands in the Blackstone Valley where you can carry on that holiday tradition of picking out just the right Christmas tree.  Make it a festive day and combine it with a fun activity that the whole family will enjoy... take in a hay ride, have your photo taken with Santa or experience an Old Fashioned Christmas!  Cumberland
  • Adams Farm, 495 Sumner Brown Road open weekdays 3 pm - 7 pm; Saturdays, 10 am - 7 pm and Sundays, 10 am - 5 pm.  While you're out, you can stop by The Ice Cream Machine for ice cream or Phantom Farms for a gingerbread iced latte and cookies and bring home some holiday pies. When you get home, combine the ice cream with the pie for a sweet treat while you decorate your tree. Imported Image
   
  • Northland Farm and Garden Center, 61 Pine Swamp Road open weekdays 9 am - 6 pm; Saturdays & Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm.  Find a tree and holiday decor all in one spot! Looking for a small tree, check out their Tabletop Boxwood Tree Class this Saturday and Sunday, December 3 & 4.  Nearby you can also visit Pine Swamp Place at 70 Pine Swamp Road for some holiday gifts and locally made crafts.
[caption id="attachment_31904" align="alignright" width="280"]Imported Image Northland Farm and Garden Center[/caption]             Lincoln
  • Butterfly Farm, 679 Chase Road, has fresh cut trees and wreaths Friday-Sunday @ 10 am - 5 pm.  Santa will be there Saturday, December 3 and December 10 Santa will be on hand for photos.  You may also see some of the farm animals while you are there!
 
  • Lincoln Creamery, 276 Front Street, has a pop-up stand where you find a tree or wreaths. Hours are weekdays 3 - 7 pm; Saturday & Sunday  10 am - 6 pm. Get a pint of ice cream with every tree purchased.  The ice cream will go well with some holiday desserts just up the road at Gingersnaps Bakery.
While you are in Lincoln, stop by the Hearthside House to experience an Old-fashioned Christmas and see this historic treasure all decked out for the holidays. December 3, 4, 10 & 11 at 1 - 4:30 pm. Imported Image Glocester/Smithfield 
  • Lockwood Christmas Tree Farm, 129 Austin Avenue, Greenville, is open weekends only, 10 am - 4 pm.  Children receive complimentary treat bags, and dogs are welcome to come along with you to find just the right tree.  You can also stock up on firewood.
[caption id="attachment_31899" align="alignleft" width="350"]Imported Image Petersen Christmas Tree Farm, Glocester[/caption]
  • Seven Cedars Farm, 20 John Mowry Road, Smithfield has pre-cuts available, open Tuesday - Friday 3 - 6 pm.  Come by Thursdays-Sundays in the evening and enjoy Christmas Caroling Hayrides with the family on a lighted trail through the woods.
 
  • Petersen Farm, 451 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, is the place to go if you are looking for a grand tree for that family room.  Trees are cut-your-own and reasonably priced. Hours: Friday-Sunday, 9 am - 4 pm. 
After you pick up your tree whether in Smithfield or Glocester, you can find some refreshment along Route 44 at Cook & Dagger or Athens Pizza House  in Greenville or the Gentleman Farmer Restaurant  in Chepachet for a family style restaurant with homemade weekly specials.  Picking out your tree on a Thursday, stay for some holiday shopping in Glocester for Candlelight Shopping in Chepachet every Thursday through December 22.  Swing by Harmony Products Railway in Glocester for some stocking stuffers and take a train ride through the woods with holiday lights lighting the way!     Have fun decorating your tree, and be sure to check out some of Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley signature Holiday Events.   Feature Photo Courtesy Northland Farm & Garden Center